Where Peter Is

This website was created by a devoted group of Catholics who are increasingly worried about the criticisms aimed at Pope Francis and his teachings from within the Church. Throughout his time as pope, he has faced accusations from a small group of radical traditionalists and rigid dogmatists, who claim he spreads confusion, teaches falsehoods, and is even a heretic. Although the group opposing Francis is limited in size, it includes a mix of notable laypeople, priests, bishops, and cardinals. Many of his most vocal critics have strong platforms in various media, including print, television, and online. These critics often see themselves as the gatekeepers of Church teachings, labeling those who support the pope as dissenters from true Church doctrine. Since this faction is relatively small, many of their claims have not been adequately challenged. They express serious concerns, but those who support the pope often overlook or dismiss their arguments. In response to this situation, the writers on this site have chosen to confront these criticisms by sharing links to useful resources and offering original essays that defend the orthodoxy and faithfulness of Pope Francis. We also plan to discuss key themes and important issues facing the Church, particularly in the context of Pope Francis’s leadership. Where Peter is, there is the Church.

International

English

Blog

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#310838

United States

#121678

Community and Society/Faith and Beliefs

#1857

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Pope Leo XIV expresses continuity with his predecessors

3 days ago | wherepeteris.com | Pedro Gabriel

Pedro Gabriel, MD, is a Catholic layman and physician, born and residing in Portugal. He is a medical oncologist, currently employed in a Portuguese public hospital. A published writer of Catholic novels with a Tolkienite flavor, he is also a parish reader and a former catechist. He seeks to better understand the relationship of God and Man by putting the lens on the frailty of the human condition, be it physical and spiritual.
WHITE SMOKE!

6 days ago | wherepeteris.com | Mike Lewis

A pope has been elected! Who will it be? VIDEOLiked this post? Take a second to support Where Peter Is on Patreon!Mike Lewis is the founding managing editor of Where Peter Is. He and Jeannie Gaffigan co-host Field Hospital, a U.S. Catholic podcast.
Pope Francis has changed us all

1 week ago | wherepeteris.com | Mike Lewis

As the world awakens for the second day of the conclave, I find myself reflecting deeply on the future of the Church and the man who will soon occupy the Chair of Peter. We do not yet know who he will be, or what gifts and limitations he will bring. But as I contemplate the transition ahead, I’m aware that my reflections are shaped not just by anticipation for what’s to come, but by profound gratitude for what we’ve been given.
Behind the Headlines: What's Really Happening in the Conclave

1 week ago | wherepeteris.com | Pedro Gabriel

Pedro Gabriel, MD, is a Catholic layman and physician, born and residing in Portugal. He is a medical oncologist, currently employed in a Portuguese public hospital. A published writer of Catholic novels with a Tolkienite flavor, he is also a parish reader and a former catechist. He seeks to better understand the relationship of God and Man by putting the lens on the frailty of the human condition, be it physical and spiritual.
Formaggi! (My first "conversation" with Pope Francis)

1 week ago | wherepeteris.com | Mike Lewis

Back in Spring 2022, I had the opportunity to stay in Pope Francis’s residence, Casa Santa Marta (also referred to as the Domus), for a week. It was in many ways an otherworldly and at times exhilarating experience to know that I was staying under the same roof as the Holy Father. A friend who was working in the Vatican had helped arrange my accommodations, and along the way he kept reminding me to be on my best behavior and not to break the house rules (such as they are) when I stayed there.
Francis: A Pope of "Firsts"

1 week ago | wherepeteris.com | Pedro Gabriel

From the moment he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013, Pope Francis signalled a different kind of papacy, as he was the first pope in living memory to present himself to the crowds without the traditional red mozetta and stole. His unique personality—with an openness to break precedent—and the unusual circumstances of his election quickly earned him a reputation as “the first pope to…” do many things.
Conclave: There is no faith without doubt - Where Peter Is

1 week ago | wherepeteris.com | Gareth Thomas

Conclave is an award-winning 2024 film directed by Edward Berger, starring Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence — a man wracked by doubt but whose job it is to organise a conclave after the death of a progressive pope whose legacy
The Funeral for the "People's Pope"

2 weeks ago | wherepeteris.com | Pedro Gabriel

Pedro Gabriel, MD, is a Catholic layman and physician, born and residing in Portugal. He is a medical oncologist, currently employed in a Portuguese public hospital. A published writer of Catholic novels with a Tolkienite flavor, he is also a parish reader and a former catechist. He seeks to better understand the relationship of God and Man by putting the lens on the frailty of the human condition, be it physical and spiritual.
Francis Remembered: Bishop Richard Umbers and Dawn Eden Goldstein

2 weeks ago | wherepeteris.com | Dawn Eden Goldstein

Editor’s note: Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the editors of Where Peter Is received many tributes to his life and reflections on his influence from past and current contributors, as well as podcast guests and friends of the site from all over the world. We will publish a few of these reflections every day leading up to the conclave. —MLBy Bishop Richard Umbers, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of SydneyPope Francis had a knack for making faith feel real and grounded.
Francis Remembered: Pedro Gabriel and Gary Campbell

2 weeks ago | wherepeteris.com | Pedro Gabriel |Gary Campbell

Dear Pope Francis:Today, Earth feels a little bit emptier. Today, Heaven feels a little bit fuller. This Lent, you have shown me what it means to carry your Cross. This Easter, you have shown me that death is not the end. This was you. You were always like a crossroads. Just like your Master, Our Lord Jesus Christ. But now that you are gone, you left the crossroads behind. So, here I stand, in the dark of the night, in this historical crossroads. I look to one side, and I see the future.